Arlington Hts. chamber looks to the future as new president is sworn in
Faced with a worsening economy and failing consumer confidence, members of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce nonetheless took heart.
At their annual installation dinner Thursday, held at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest in Arlington Heights, they expressed optimism and said that now, more than ever, was the time to invest in their chamber membership.
David Becker, of FastSigns of Arlington Heights, was sworn in as the group's newest president. He drew on a quote from Sam Walton, when asked about the 1991 recession: "I've thought about it, and I've decided not to participate."
"I like that, let's not participate in this recession," Becker said. "Let's make a conscious decision to change things, to pool our collective resources to survive and thrive."
Becker added that the chamber already has designed programs to jump-start and market small businesses, but overall he hoped to give members added exposure, through more Internet use and working with some of their high visibility members, notably Arlington Park and the village of Arlington Heights.
The chamber's immediate past president, Greg Geissenberger of Express Employment Professionals, had one duty before handing over the gavel. He gave the "President's Award" to Arlington Heights Village Trustee Bert Rosenberg.
"Bert has always made it a priority to be at chamber events," Geissenberger said. "He's made himself accessible and very involved with the business community."
Becker led a slate that included Joe Favia, an Arlington Heights dentist; Scott Whisler of Brian Properties; Jackie Lewis of Forbici Salon & Spa; David Ungurean of the Northwest Community Hospital Foundation; Jim Platt of Sylvia's Flowers; and Mary Ann Flynn of the Peoples' Bank; all in Arlington Heights.
More than 20 directors in all were sworn in for the new business year, but the evening's biggest awards came in the form of businesses and leaders of the year.
Ungurean was named Business Leader of the Year. Members praised him for bringing his expertise in hospital development to chamber activities. Specifically, they credited his leadership in shaping recruitment and retention strategies for chamber members.
Brian Properties, the Arlington Heights-based commercial real estate firm, was named Business of the Year. Run by Jack Whisler and his sons, Scott and Robert, they were hailed by chamber members for active participation in the community, as well as bringing in new businesses into the village.
In other awards, Gary Swiontek of GrooveMaster Graphics in Arlington Heights, was named Volunteer of the Year for his activism and leadership in the chamber, while the restaurant Birch River Grill was named the Emerging Business of the Year.
Located adjacent to the Doubletree Chicago Hotel in Arlington Heights, the restaurant was hailed for its award winning menu, as well as hosting many chamber events and designing the Express Lunch for area business people.